Giving Grace

Grace: Courteous goodwill

The word grace has multiple meanings. When thinking about grace in terms of interacting with people, I think of grace as undeserved kindness. Giving, or extending, grace occurs when we offer kindness even when it seems unwarranted. Being able to give grace is a practice, a practice that helps both the giver and receiver of the grace. When you extend grace to others, and to yourself, you give permission for people to be less than perfect while still being accepted and loved. Extending grace gives you power by allowing you to let go of your negative feelings when humans fail you. Because at some point, probably every day, we will fail ourselves and each other. Usually, those are the times we most need to be shown grace.

And although we should extend grace often, we must also remember that extending grace does not excuse behaviors. You can give grace while making it clear which behaviors are and are not acceptable. Be kind to yourself but don't keep making the same mistakes. Say kind words to others but excuse yourself from the presence of people who refuse to respect you. Help someone who is struggling but don't allow them to sit idly while you do their work.

This is the first time any of us are living this life. People will inevitably make mistakes - we will all have moments when we fall, say the wrong things, or fail. Make the road a little easier for yourself and for others, extend grace.

With Gratitude,